The opening goal came against the run of play as Royals pressed for an opener after an uninspiring first half.

Paterson broke the deadlock when the ball fell to him just inside the area and he curled a shot into the top corner, beyond the dive of Vito Mannone in the 68th minute.

Mo Barrow and Sone Aluko both went close as Reading looked for a way back into the game, with the former missing the best chance when he side footed the ball straight at the goalkeeper from close range.

The visitors were punished in stoppage time as a deflected effort by Kelly following a parry away by Mannone found the bottom corner to seal the three points for the hosts.

The result means Royals have won just twice in their past nine games and they drop three places in the Championship table and are only eight points off the relegation zone.